RESIDENTS in a block of flats were forced to flee after a wheelie bin was deliberately set on fire.

A number of them had to be evacuated during a terrifying incident in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The incident took place at the rear of a property at 104 Paisley Road, Renfrew.

During the incident it's understood that a wheelie bin was set alight at the rear of a property, leading to damage to a gas pipe.

As a result residents of the flats had to be evacuated as a precaution.

It's one of three deliberate acts of fire raising which are being linked by police.

This week police are continuing with their enquiries and appealing for information after a total of three wheelie bins were deliberately set on fire in the town on Sunday.

Around 2.45am, police received a report of a bin being on fire in Paisley Road, Renfrew, near to flat number 168.

And in the second incident officers also discovered that another bin in the Paisley Road area had been set alight, prompting an evacuation.

Enquiries also revealed that a bin in McLaren Avenue, near to Newmains Road, was also targeted.

Officers continue to carry out enquiries in the local area and are studying CCTV footage in a bid to catch the culprits.

From initial enquiries, officers want to trace three youths who were seen in the local area shortly before the fires were set.

One of them is described as between 14 and 16 years of age and of slim build.

He was wearing a white hooded top and dark coloured trousers.

It’s not clear if this person is male or female.

The other is described as between 14 and 16 years of age, male and of slim build.

He was wearing a dark-coloured jacket and dark-coloured trousers.

The third youth is described as between 14 and 16 years of age, male and wearing a black hooded top and dark coloured trousers.

Detective Constable Eric Hepburn of Paisley Police Office said: "We believe these incidents are linked and are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything around the time of the incidents to contact us.

"Perhaps you noticed the group of youths, if you have any information or knowledge about these incidents, please pass it on."

Anyone with information which could assist the enquiry is asked to contact officers at Paisley Police Office on 101.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.